After a brief stop in Mahatao to visit the San Carlos Borromeo church and register at the Tourism office, we headed for the town of Ivana. We’ve been to Ivana two days before, when we were on our way to Sabtang.
On our way to Ivana, we made a couple of stops by the side of the road.
We were told by our guide that this place can be a nice swimming area as it has a flat coral or stone bed (we could not determine which).
The skies were overcast that morning so when we made a little stop to see the white beach area, we were not that impressed.
But at least we learned that there is a nice, white beach in Batanes where you could go swimming if you are so inclined.
Ivana Bridge, parallel to the old spanish bridge
Ivana is a 6th class municipality in the province of Batanes, Philippines. According to the latest census (2007), it has a population of 1,181 people in 283 households.
The old bridge, built by the Spaniards, is located in middle of town. It is likely to be the oldest bridge in the entire province still used to date. It stands parallel to the more modern bridge, pictured above.
A few meters away from the bridge stands the House of Dakay – built in the 18th century and one of the last few standing century old houses being used to date.
Our tour guide, Ate Remy Santos, talking to Lola Florestida
It is probably the most photographed house in Batanes. And Lola Florestida Estrella who welcomes everyone who visits her house may also be the most photographed woman in Batanes.
Ivana may be the smallest of the towns in Batanes, but its hold on the most epic stories of Ivatan gallantry is incomparable.
San Jose Obrero or San Jose de Ivana church is the only church in Batanes with a separate campanile built in 1784.
The campanile was built in 1814 -1817 by Fr. Jose Fausto de Cuevas. The present façade is built by Fr. Fabian Martin in 1866-1869.
I had a rather good time photographing the church and its interiors and even what can be seen outside from inside the church.
Door to the left
Door to the right
Main door and aisle
I climbed the steps to get to that window and this is what I got out of that.
The Radiwan port of Ivana
That shot above is not really very original but I always wanted to do something like that anyways.
I unbarred the window to get this shot, Sabtang Island is right across
I waited a relatively long enough time for all the other members of our group to leave so I can take photos of the church without anyone in it. *winks*
And finally got a closer shot of the church’s facade. Although it was built in 1814 and its foundation dates back as far as 1795, it is one of the well preserved structures in the island. It still looks relatively new even today.
Ivana, which is about 14 kilometers south of Basco, has two municipal ports that serve as gateway to Sabtang.
Radiwan port of Ivana
A few meters away from the church and the port is a public restroom… and almost just opposit it is the Honesty Coffee Shop.
Unmanned refreshments store famous worldwide for showcasing Ivatan’s ‘honesty.’ There’s no standby seller and instead rely on the honor system when paying for goods taken from the store.
Prices are listed on the counter and there’s a drop box to put your money in. If you need change for your money though, you will have to knock on the house behind the store.
All three significant landmarks are located in one stop: the San Jose de Ivana church, Honesty Coffee Shop and the Radiwan port of Ivana.
Click here to view the entire photo set on Flickr.
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[…] Tour of Batan Island – Mahatao Town Tour and the San Carlos de Borromeo Church – Ivana Town Tour: Old Spanish Bridge, House of Dakay, San Jose Obrero Church, Radiwan Port, Honesty Coffee Shop – […]